Why Does My Dog Have Reddish-Brown Tear Stains?
Reddish-brown tear stains come from natural pigments called porphyrins in a dog's tears. When tears overflow onto the face instead of draining into the nose, those pigments soak into the fur and darken with light and air. Damp fur can also host yeast, which adds a rusty brown tint and a musty smell.
The pigment behind the colour
Porphyrins are molecules produced as the body breaks down iron from old red blood cells. Dogs get rid of them in several ways, including through tears, saliva and urine. In small amounts they are invisible. Concentrated in fur that stays wet day after day, they leave a reddish stain that deepens over time, a bit like a tea ring on a tablecloth.
That is why the same dog can have stained fur under the eyes and around the mouth, and on the paws it licks. The colour is the same pigment, deposited wherever saliva or tears sit on the coat.
Yeast is the second part of the story. The skin under constantly wet fur is warm and moist, and yeast that normally lives on skin in small numbers can multiply there. Yeast overgrowth tends to produce a darker brown stain and a distinct, slightly sour smell.
Why some dogs stain and others do not
Every dog makes tears. Staining happens when tears do not drain properly, and that comes down mostly to anatomy.
Face shape. Flat-faced breeds have shallow eye sockets and prominent eyes, which leaves less room for tears to collect and drain.
Eyelids. Lids that roll inward or outward, or extra folds of skin near the inner corner, can redirect tears onto the face. The Merck Veterinary Manual's guide to eyelid disorders in dogs describes conditions such as entropion that can cause tearing and irritation.
Tear duct openings. Small or partly blocked openings at the inner corner mean less drainage.
Hair near the eyes. Fur that grows toward the eye can wick tears out and onto the face.
Irritation. Dust, smoke, allergies and stray hairs can all make eyes water more.
Breeds that commonly show staining include Maltese, Shih Tzus, Poodles, Bichons, Pugs, Lhasa Apsos and many small mixed breeds. Light fur simply makes the colour easier to see.
Age plays a part as well. Many puppies tear more heavily while their adult teeth come in, and some of that staining fades as they mature. Older dogs, on the other hand, can develop new tearing because of changes to the eyelids or a drop in tear quality, which leaves the eye irritated and watering. A change in staining at either end of life is worth mentioning at your next check-up.
Water and food bowls come up a lot in owner forums. The evidence for any particular bowl material or water type causing stains is thin. What does help is keeping the muzzle dry, since many dogs drip water and saliva into the same fur that tears run through. A quick wipe after drinking is a cheap habit that keeps the lower face cleaner.
Stain, crust or something else?
Not every mark under the eye is simple staining. This table helps you sort what you are looking at.
A daily routine to keep the face clean
You cannot clean set stain out of fur. It has to grow out or be trimmed. What you can do is keep fresh tears from sitting on the face, so new stain builds more slowly and the skin stays comfortable.
Bocce's Eyes So Bright Cleanser is a gentle liquid for the fur and skin around the eyes. Its label lists de-ionized water, aloe juice, witch hazel and extracts of goldenseal, gotu kola and echinacea, and it is labelled for dogs twelve weeks and older.
Try this twice a day:
- Moisten a cotton pad with cleanser.
- Hold it against the stained fur for a few seconds to soften any crust.
- Wipe downward and away from the eye.
- Dry the fur well with a clean tissue.
- Repeat on the other side with a fresh pad.
- Reward your dog with a small treat.
Between cleans, keep the hair around the eyes trimmed short and wipe the muzzle after meals and drinks. Raised food and water bowls can help some flat-faced dogs keep their face drier.
Make the routine pleasant from the start. Many dogs with tear stains are small and sensitive about their faces, and a routine that feels like a struggle gets skipped. Sit on the floor with your dog beside you, keep sessions under a minute, and pair every clean with something your dog likes. After a week or two, most dogs settle into it, and some start coming over when they see the cotton pads come out.
When staining needs a vet check
Most tear staining is cosmetic. Check with your vet if:
- Staining appears suddenly or only on one side
- Your dog squints, rubs its eyes or paws at its face
- The eye looks red, cloudy or swollen
- Discharge is thick, yellow or green
- The skin under the stain is red, raw or smelly
Your vet can check the eyelids, tear production and drainage. Some causes, such as inward-rolling lids or blocked ducts, have specific treatments that reduce tearing at the source.
Tear stain FAQ
Why are my dog's tear stains red rather than brown?
Fresh porphyrin staining tends to look reddish. Darker brown often reflects older staining or yeast in the fur.
Do tear stains hurt my dog?
The stain itself does not, but constantly damp skin underneath can become irritated. Keeping the area dry protects comfort.
Will my puppy grow out of tear stains?
Some puppies tear more while teething and improve with age. Others keep staining because of face shape, so a cleaning routine becomes part of life.
Can I bleach tear stains?
Never use bleach or harsh whitening products near a dog's eyes. Stick to products made for use around pet eyes and let stained fur grow out.
Are tear stains a sign of poor health?
Usually not. They are mainly about drainage and face shape, but new or one-sided staining is worth a vet check.
Related reading: The best treats for small dogs and toy breeds: a buying guide; Cooperative Care: Treat-Based Paw and Ear Handling; Treats for a Puppy Who Is Teething